Grease gun



Oct. 3l, 1939. N. v sMlTH Er AL GREASE GUN Filed April 23, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet l 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 31, 1939. N. v SMITH ET AL GREASE GUN Filed April 2s, 19:58

Oct. 31, 1939. N. v.- SMITH ET AL 2,178,004

GREASE GUN Filed April 23, 1938 asneets-Sheet 5 I n I im n 'www' Eem @Iyar/foei Patented Oct. 31, 1939 v GREASE GUN Neil V. smith ami carl W. sion, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to Smith-Johnson Corporation, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Application April 23, 19x38, Serial No. 203,840

15 Claims. Y (Cl. 221-47A) This invention relates to a lubricator or grease gun and relates more particularly to a hand grease gun, that is, a grease gun that is manually operated. A general object of this invention is to pro-vide a lubricato-r or grease gun of the character referred to that is convenient to handle and operate, that contains a large supply of lubricant, and that is particularly rapid and eifective in the delivery of charges of lubricant under pressure to bearings and other machine parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a grease gun of the character mentioned embodying 'a novel and highly effective discharge or ejecting means in which the pressure on the lubricant stored in the gun holds the discharge valve closed thus avoidingthe use of a valve holding spring as now employed in most devices. of this class, and kthereby eliminating the high parasitic friction loss present where such springheld valves are employed. 'y v Ano-ther object of this invention is to provide a grease gunof the character referred to that discharges a substantial and uniform quantity of lubricant at each operation or discharge stroke.'

Another object of this invention is to provide a manually operated grease gun in which the lubricant in the supplychamber is maintained under air pressure and this pressure is utilized to eiect the charging movement of a ram during the charging stroke, thus assuring the delivery of a full measure of lubricant at each discharge stroke regardless of the speed at which the gun is operated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a no-vel and sturdy ejecting mechanism for a grease gun, said mechanism having its parts constructed and related so that the piston element is effectively protected against bending and distorting stresses.

Another object of this invention is to provide a grease gun oi the character mentioned ink which the air pressure may be maintained on the supply of lubricant indefinitely, there being little or no loss of pressure at the joints or connections. between the gun parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a grease gun in which the leakage from the discharge nozzle is eliminated or reduced to a minimum.

Another object of this invention is to provide a manually operated grease gun that is rugged and not easily damaged. v

Another object of this invention is to provide a grease gun of the character mentioned that may be easily and quickly changed or modified to handle lubricants of different types and consistencies and to develop relatively high pressures or relatively low pressures, as desired.

Another object of this invention is to provid-e a grease gun of the class mentioned in which a portion. of the lubricant remaining in the outer part of the discharge coupling or connector tube is retracted or drawn in when the ram returns to its initial position so that lubricant does. not drip or leak from the gun following its use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel and particularly effective sealing means or packing means for sealing between the separable parts of a lubricant gun which maintains the charging or priming pressure in the gun indeiinitely, yet allows said parts to be easily disconnected for the purpose of recharging the gun with lubricant and permits the said parts to be quickly reconnected inthe proper relation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a grease gun embodying packing means of the character just mentioned in which the packing means,` occurring at the connection between the gun body and the handle section, assures the correct alignment of the said handle section with the discharge nozzle of the gun after extended use of the gun, yet positively prevents leakage 'or the loss of pressure from between the body and the handle section when the same are connected with the handle and the nozzlein proper alignment.

Another object of this invention is to provide a grease gun of the character mentioned embodying a dependable packing means or seal between the body and the handle section that does not depend for its tightness upon the extent or amount ofthe threading together of the parts whereby a positive stop means may be employed to assure the ycorrect alignment of the nozzle and handle with the assurance that the packing means will always remain eiective.l VAnother object of this invention is to provide a grease gun embodying a novel and particularly effective piston or follower having sealing lips distorted or bent to remain in sealing cooperation with the wall of the lubricant reservoir and with the central guide member.

A further object of this invention is to provide a grease gun embodying a piston or follower ofthe character just referred to that may be easily and quickly arranged in the operative position thereby facilitating the recharging of the gun' with lubricant.

The various `objects and features of our invention will befully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal detailed sectional View of one form of the improved grease gun provided by this invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal detailed sectional View of the forward portion of the gun showing the parts in their normal extended positions. Fig. 2a is a fragmentary longitudinal detailed sectional view illustrating the positions of the valve elements during a discharge stroke. Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional View tak-en as indicated by line 3 3 on Fig. 2. Figs. 4 and 5 are enlarged transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 4 4 and 5 5, respectively, on Fig. l. Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 2 illustrating another form of ejecting means. Fig. '7 is a reduced side elevation of the grease gun of the invention with the rear portion of the body broken away to appear in vertical cross section showing the follower and the means for sealing between the body and the handle section. Fig. S is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view of the rear portion of the gun illustrating the packing means with the handle fully connected to the body. Fig. 9 is a View similar to Fig. 8 showing the handle section being threaded onto the body. Fig. 10 is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional view of the gasket or packing ring. Fig. 11 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional View of a portion of the gun showing the follower in cross section and in the operative po sition. Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 showing the follower in position on the central guide member and about to enter the gun body and Fig. 13 s a fragmentary transverse detailed sectional view of the follower removed from the gun.

The form or embodiment of the grease gun provided by this invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, and '7 to I3 inclusive, may be said to comprise, generally, a container or body HI for holding a supply of lubricant, a cap and handle section Il on the rear end of the body Il), a follower I2 operable in the body I0, ejecting means I3 in the forward portion of the body I0 and other elements, the functions and details of which will be hereinafter described.

The container or body l0 is an elongate hollow structure for containing a supply of grease or other lubricant. In the preferred construction the body ID is an integral member or casting. The major portion or rear portion of the body I0 is cylindrical and provides or defines a lubricant supply chamber I4. The forward end portion I5 of the body I0 is reduced in diameter and is joined with the major rear portion of the body by a tapered part I5. The reduced forward portion I5 carries or contains the ejectn ing means I3. A central longitudinal opening I'I extends through the forward body portion I5 from the supply chamber M to the forward end of the body. The forward body portion I5 and its opening I.' are co-axial with the rear portion of the body Ill and the supply chamber I4. The opening I 'I is graduated in diameter to present axially spaced shoulders Iii, I 8 and 20. The shoulders I3, I9 and 20 are annular or continuous and face inwardly or toward. the supply chamber Ill. rIhe shoulder I8 occurs adjacent the rear end of the opening I'I, the shoulder I9 is substantially midway between the opposite ends of the opening II and the shoulder 20 is adjacent the forward end of the opening II.

The section II serves as a removable closure or cap for the rear end of the gun body I0 and has a grip or handle to facilitate the operation and handling of the gun. The cap and handle section II is preferably an integral part or casting with the exception of two small elements to be subsequently described. The cap and handle section I I includes what I will term a cap 2| and a handle 22. The cap 2I may be a simple closure element for the rear end of the lubricant chamber I4. The cap ZI is provided with a forwardly projecting tubular fiange 23 having an internal thread 24 for mating with a thread 25 on the rear portion of the body I0. A bead or ridge 26 on the body I0 is engageable by the forward end of the flange 23 to form a positive stop and to limit the threading of the section II on the body The handle 22 is joined to the cap 2l by two vertically spaced webs 21 and 28. The handle 22 extends downwardly and rearwardly from the upper web 2l' to a plane below the lower web 28. The handle 22 is shaped to be conveniently grasped and held by the operator. In practice the handle 22 may have substantially flat parallel sides and round or convex forward and rearward edges. The connecting web 28 is spaced some distance below the upper web 2'I and lies in a plane adjacent the plane occupied by the lowermost part of the body IQ. The lower web 28 is generally flat, presenting rather broad upper and lower surfaces. The spacing of the webs 21 and 28' is such that one or more fingers on the operators hand grasping the handle 22 may grasp or engage that portion of the handle II between the webs and the remaining fingers of the hand may engage the portion of the handle below the web 28. The upper web 21 forms a guard for the operators fingers and the lower web 28 being engaged between two of the operators fingers facilitates the handling of the gun. A rearwardly projecting ear 29 is provided on the handle 22 adjacent its upper end and is adapted to be engaged by the operators hand for the purpose of stabilizing and balancing the gun.

In accordance with the invention the handle 22 constitutes a reservoir for containing air under pressure which is employed to prime the gun. The handle 22 is hollow or provided with a chamber 33 for containing the air under pressure. The chamber 30 is preferably of substantial capacity and may extend from the upper end of the handle 22 to adjacent its lower end. The upper end of the chamber 30 is closed by a suitable cover 3l bolted or screwed to the upper end of the handle 22. A web or partition 32 extends transversely across the interior of the handle 2?. above its lower end to close the lower end of the chamber 3B. A port 33 communicates with the upper portion of the chamber 30 and extends forwardly through the web 21 and the cap 2I to communicate with the rear end of the lubricant supply chamber I4. Means is provided to supply or admit air under pressure to the chamber Sil. A fitting 34 is threaded in an opening in the partition and is provided with a tire valve 35. The valve 35 is adapted to receive air under pressure from an air hose, or the like, and the fitting '34 discharges the air under pressure into the chamber 39. The fitting 3Q is entirely received in or recessed in the handle 22 and the valve 35 may project a slight distance beyond the lower end of the handle, It is to be observed that the air chamber 30 and the communicating rear portion of the lubricant chamber I4 provide a substantial space for containing the air under pres- Sule.

the chamber lll.

" anfe 23 reaches the ridge 2t.

The invention provides a novel and particularly eifective packing means or gasket means for sealing between the section il and the body lil. The cap 2i of the section Ii is provided with a forwardly facing socket 35 at the base of the thread Z. The socket 36 has a forwardlyfacing shoulder 3l that opposes the rear end of the body lil when the section i l is threaded to the body. An annular` gasket 38 of synthetic rubber or similar flexible and resilient material is arranged in the socket 36. The gasketV 38 may closely t the inner or rear portion of the socket 36 and has a peripheral ridge or flange 3S disposed in front or forwardly of the shoulder 31. The flange 3S is proportioned and located to be received between the shoulder 3l and the rear end of the body lil. The forward part of the gasket 38 is in the nature of a sealing lip lo for sealing or packing with the wall of the body chamber I4. The external or peripheral surface 4I of the lip All 'if slopes cr -inclines forwardly and inwardly with respectA to the longitudinal axis of the gasket 38 as the gasket is initially formed and prior to the attachment of the-section II to the body lll. The inner surface of the lip 4B may slope forwardly and outwardly with respect to the longi- 5 has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the chamber i4 prior to the connection of the section l I to the body lil. The gasket 38 is shaped and proportioned so that the engagement of its inner or rear part with the rear wall of the socket tt" holds the flange 3B in spaced relation to the shoulder 3l. Means is provided to retain the gasket 33 on the cap 2i of the section il. An annular groove (i2 of V-shaped cross section is provided in the internal surface of the gasket 38 and a plate ri has its peripheral portion in cooperation with the groove 42. The plate d3 is arranged on a boss lll on the inner or forward sideof the cap 2 l. A spring ring it is seated in a groove in the boss it to hold the plate 43 in place. The plate i3 has perforations i6 to-I put the port 33 in communication with the chamber It. The plate i3 cooperates with the groove l2 to retain the gasket 33 in place in the cap 2l and to prevent buckling and undesirable l distortion of the gasket.

When the capand handle section Il is being threaded on the body itl, the forward side of the flange 39 comes into contact with the rear end of the body i@ before the forward end of the As the section il is threaded on the body lil the cooperation of the flange 39 with the rear end of the body i@ results in bending or rearward distortion of the iange 35i. This distortion of the gasket 38 pivots or moves the sealing lip lil outwardly into sealing cooperation with the-wall of the chamber It. The periphery of the retaining plate 3 cooperating with the groove d2 serves as a fulcrum for the outward pivoting of the sealing lip fili. By the time the forward end of the flange 23 has reached the ridge it the gasket 33 has been distorted to a condition or shape such as shown in Fig. S of the drawings where the lip @il is in tight sealing engagement with the wall of The inherent resiliency of the gasket 38 urges the surface 4I of the lip 4l) outwardly into tight sealing cooperation with the wall of the chamber i4 to provide a positive fluidtight seal. The gasket 33 has its rear portion in tight sealing engagement with the wall of the socket 3f, and the flange 39 is tightly held against the rear end of the body IB so that the gasket 38 forms a dependable sealing element for preventing leakage from between the threaded together body l@ and cap and handle section Il.

lt is to be particularly noted that the fluidtight and pressure-tight seal provided by the gasket 33 does not depend upon the compression of tie gasket between parts or surfaces of the body lil and section ii. This is important as it allows the forward end of the flange 23 to be directly engaged against the metal ridge 255 to definitely limit the threading of the section Ill on the body it. The forward end of the flange 23 and the rear side of the ridge i@ have direct metal to metal contact to positively limit the threading of the section i l on the body l These parts may be related and machined to assure the proper positioning of the section Il with respect to the body lil when their surfaces are brought together as just described, and therebi.1 effect proper alignment between the handle 22 and the discharge nozzle of the gun. The sealing lip lll of the gasket 38, in addition to being held in tight sealing engagement with the wall of the chamber i4 by the resiliency of the distorted gasket, is urged outwardly by the air pressure in the rear portion of the chamber lll and at all times provides a tight seal. The extreme rear end portion of the chamber ll preferably has an outwardly dared or bevelled wall d1 to assist in guiding the lip il@ into the body when the section il is being threaded on the body. The gasket 38 is secured or held on the section l i by the plate 53 and does not require manual manipulation when the section l I is to be threaded on the body ill and automatically assumes its proper place in the rear portion of the body lil when the section is applied to the body. This automatic locating of the gasket 33 and the automatic distortion of the gasket 38 into sealing cooperation with the body It materially facilitate the quick coupling of the section I I to the body.

The follower i2 is arranged in the lubricant supply chamber Eil and is operable under the inuence of the air under pressure in the rear end portion of the chamber to urge the lubricant forwardly and feed it to the ejecting means i3. It is preferred to provide a central or axial guide i8 for the follower I2. In the typical case illustrated in the drawings the guide '3 is in the nature of a tube of suitable diameter centrally arranged in the chamber lf3. The rear portion of the guide d8 is removably threaded in a socket i9 in the boss 134. The follower i2 is an annular structure or assembly and comprises two'plates 5U of sheet metal or the like secured together in face to face relation by rivets 5i. The outer parts or peripheral portions of the plates 55 are bowed or curved to define or leave an annular groove 52 that is partially circular in cross section. The peripheraly edges of the plates 5l! are spaced apart, leaving a mouth 53 for the groove 52. The peripheral edge portions of the plates oil are curled or rolled back at the mouth 53 as best illustrated in l1, l2 and i3. lThe inner portions 543 of the plates 5b are bent or shaped to extend axially of the guide llt and to operate along the guide. of the portions 5f! with the bodies of the plates Adjacent the lines of joinder' 50 the plates are shaped to define an annular groove 55. The groove is similar in shape to the groove 52 and the plates 58 are formed so that the groove 55 has an inwardly facing entrance or mouth.

The follower I2 further includes an outer or peripheral sealing element 56 for slidably sealing with the wall of the chamber I4 and an inner sealing element 51 for slidably sealing with the guide 48. The sealing elements 56 and 51 may be formed of synthetic rubber, a rubber composition, or other material that has the desired resiliency and flexibility and that is resistant to the action of the material handled by the gun. The shape, arrangement and operation of the sealing elements 56 and 51 are important features of the invention.

The peripheral sealing element 56 of the follower I2 is in the nature of a continuous ring or annular member. The element 56 is shaped to have axially projecting lips 58 for sealing with the wall of the chamber I4. The internal surface of the element 56 as presented by the lips 58 is convex while the external or peripheral surface of the element 56 is concave. These concave and convex surfaces join at relatively sharp edges at the extremities of the sealing lips 58. An annular inwardly projecting rib 58 is provided on the inner surface of the element 56 and has an enlargement 68 that is received in the groove 52. The rib 59 enters the entrance or mouth 53 of the groove 52 and the enlargement BIJ occupies the groove. The enlargement 58 is round or partially round in cross section and accurately fits the groove 52. In practice the enlargement 68 is gripped in the groove 52 so that an effective seal is formed between the sealing element 56 and the assembled plates 58. The rib 59 projects from the groove 52 and spaces the lips 58 outwardly from the peripheries of the plates.

In accordance with the invention the sealing element 56 is initially constructed and is assembled on the plates 58 so that its sealing lip 58 that projects forwardly and that leads during the insertion of the follower I 2 in the chamber I4 has a diameter considerably less than the diameter of the other lip or trailing lip 58. The external diameter of the said advancing lip 58 is less than the diameter of the chamber I4 while the external diameter of the said trailing lip 58 is considerably greater than the diameter of the chamber I4. This relationship between the diameters of the sealing lips 58 and the diameter of the chamber I4 is best illustrated in Fig. 12 of the drawings. When the follower I2 is introduced into the chamber I4 the forward lip or the advancing lip 58 freely enters the mouth of the chamber I4 and as the inward movement of the follower I2 is continued the peripheral surface of the trailing lip 58 is brought into cooperation with the wall of the chamber I4. As the trailing lip 58 is initially or normally of greater external diameter than the chamber I4 the engagement of the lip with the wall of the chamber results in distortion of the said trailing lip 58 and distortion of the sealing element 56 and what may be termed pivoting of the element at its rib 59. The distortion and pivoting of the element 56 resulting from the cooperation of the trailing lip 58 with the wall of the chamber I4 brings the periphery of the advancing lip 58 into effective sealing engagement with the wall of the chamber. Fig. 11 of the drawings illustrates the condition of the sealing element 56 when the follower is fully within the chamber I4. The inherent resiliency of the sealing element 56 maintains both of its sealing lips 58 in proper sealing cooperation with the wall of the chamber I4. It is irnportant to note that the cooperation of the trailing lip 58 with the wall of the chamber I4 holds the sealing element 56 in a distorted state and retains the forward lip 58 in effective engagement with the wall of the chamber I4 so long as the follower I2 remains in the chamber I4.

The inner sealing element 51 of the follower I2 is an annular member and has two axial sealing lips 62 and 63 for slidably sealing with the guide 48. The sealing lips 62 and 63 are integrally joined and present a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface. These inner and outer surfaces join at rather sharp edges defining the outer ends of the lips 62 and 63. A central outwardly projecting annular rib 64 is provided on the periphery or outer surface of the sealing element 51 and enters the mouth of the groove 55. An annular enlargement 65 is provided on the rib 64 and is shaped to fit the groove 55. In assembling the follower I2 the sealing elements 56 and 51 may be arranged in position on one plate 58 and the other plate 5D may then be brought into position whereupon the two plates are riveted together so that the enlargements and of the sealing elements are held or clamped in their respective grooves 52 and 55. 'Ihis assures the proper gripping of the enlargements 68 and 65 between the plates 50, it being understood that the said enlargements are not grasped so tightly that the material of the sealing elements 56 and 51 is excessively distorted or forced outwardly. The inner sealing element 51 is shaped and is held by the assembly of the plates 58 so that its leading lip 62 has an inside diameter greater than the external diameter of the guide 48 and its trailing lip 63 has an inside diameter less than the external diameter of the guide 48. This relationship between the lips of the sealing element 51 and the guide 48 is best illustrated in Fig. 13 of the drawings.

When the follower I2 is to be assembled on the guide 48 the guide is first unthreaded from the socket 49 and the follower is slid or passed on the rear end of the guide. When the follower I2 is slipped on the guide 48 the leading lip 62 of the sealing element 51 freely receives and passes over the guide 48. The rear or trailing lip 63 contacts the periphery of the follower 48 and due to the relationship between the diameters of the lip 63 and the guide 48 this engagement results in distortion or outward flexing of the lip. The engagement of the trailing lip 63 with the guide 48 further results in a general distortion of the sealing element 51 and a pivoting or ilexing of the element at its rib 64 to bring its leading lip 62 into effective sealing engagement with the guide 48. Figs. 1l and 12 of the drawings illustrate the manner in which both the lips 62 and 63 engage and seal with the guide 48. The resiliency of the distorted sealing element 51 maintains both of its sealing lips 62 and 63 in correct sealing engagement with the guide 48. The shape of the sealing lips 62 and 63 is such that they engage or bear on the guide 48 adjacent their extremities or outer edges as shown in Figs. 11 and 12 of the drawings.

The inner or axially projecting portions 54 of the plates 58 extend axially beyond the extremities of the sealing lips 62 and 63 and the lips have clearance with the portions 54. This relationship of parts assures the desired independent sealing action of the lips 62 and 63. The rear or trailing plate portion 54 is adapted to cooperate with the boss I4 to limit rearward movement of the follower I2, while the forward or advancing plate portion 54 is adapted to cooperate with an out-turned bead 9 on the forward end of the guide 38 to limit the forward travel of the follower. i A port Ill@ is provided in the wall of the tubular guide lil adjacent its forward end.

When the follower I2 approaches the forward end of its stroke its sealing element 5l passes forward beyond the port |66. This allows the air pressure to by-pass around or past the follower I2 so that the pressures on the follo-wer are equalized. The primary function of the port is to allow free by-passing of the air around the follower !2 when the guide 48 and the follower I2 are withdrawn from the chamber I4.

It is to be observed that the follower I2 is removable from the gun body yIll with the section II when the section is disconnected from the body. In other words, when the section II is unthreaded from the body I0 it may be moved rearwardly from the body to withdraw the guide 53 and the follower I2 from the chamber I6. In ire-applying the section I I to the body I6 the guide 48 is introduced into the chamber I4 and the follower I2 is moved to the rear part of the guide and is then introduced into the rear end of thev chamber IG. As described above, the leading lip 58 of the sealing element 5I is readily started or introduced into the rear end of the chamber I4 so that the follower is easily inserted in the chamber. The follower I2 may remain on the guide i8 when the section I I is removed from the body Ii) for the purpose of recharging the chamber li with lubricant and it is only necessary to remove the follower from the guide when it becomes necessary or desirable to replace the follower or some of its parts.

The electing means I3 is operable to eject charges of lubricant from the chamber I4 to the bearings on the machine parts being lubricated. The means I3 is in the nature of a ram cylinder mechanism and is operated by movement or manipulation of the gun body I0. In accordance with the invention the means I3 includes a ram element 65 arranged in the forward portion I5 of the body Il to move therewith and a plunger and cylinder element 6l movable relative to the body I and cooperable with the ram element 66., The ram element 66 is carried by a tubular guide member 68 arranged in the opening I'I. The rear end of the tubular member 68 is open to the lubricant supply chamber I4 and the member is positionedso that its forward end is spaced some distance rearwardly of the shoulder I9. An annular external flange 69 is provided on the member 63 and has its forward side in adjacent opposing relation to the shoulder I8. An annular retainer nut l@ is threaded in the rear part of the opening ll and cooperates with the rear side of the flange 69 to hold the guide member S8 against rearward movement. The tubular member 68 has three spaced or diametrically opposite ngers II projecting rearwardly through the retainer nut 'lll and carrying a crosshead 72. A longitudinal opening r3 is provided in the cross head 'I2 and the rear portion of the ram element 66 is received in this opening 13. A securing member 'Id is passed forwardly through the rear end of the opening 'I3 and has a head cooperating with the rear side of the cross head l2. The securing member 'lll has threaded cooperation with the ram element 66 to `connect or secure the ram element to the member 12. The ram element 66 is an elongate part arranged longitudinally and co-aXially in the member 68. In the preferred construction the ram element 66 extends forwardly from the cross head 'I2 to a point or plane adjacent but rearward of the forward end of the member 68. The ram element 66 is received in the guide member BS with substantial clearance, leaving a relatively large annular space or passage 'I5 for passing lubricant and for receiving the element S'I as will be subsequently described.

The element 6l' may be considered asia combination plunger and cylinder element. The element 6l enters the forward end of the opening I'I and extends rearwardly through the opening Il to cooperate with the ram element 66. The portion of the opening ll extending forwardly from the shoulder 2li is polygonal in cross section and the part of the element 6l operating therein is correspondingly shaped. This relationship of parts prevents turning of the element 6l' relative to the body. The forward projecting end part of the cylinder element lil carries a suitable discharge element It. A suitable coupling ll' connects the element 'I6 with the element 6l. The element 'I6 preferably projects laterally as well as forwardly from the element 6l and lies in the same plane as the handle '3.2 of the section il. The above-described connection between the body It) and the section Il embodying a metal to metal contact between the fiange 23 on the section ll and the ridge '.26 assures the proper l alignment of the handle 2l? and the discharge element 16. An annular groove 'I3 is provided in the cylinder element 6l and a split stop ring 'lll is arranged in the groove J8 to limit the travel of the cylinder element relative to the body IQ.

The cylinder element @il is adapted to reciprocate in the member 68, that is, it is movable in the space or passage The cylinder element 6l preferably has accurate sliding cooperation with the outer wall of the passage 'l5 and is thereby guided by the long heavy guide member 65S. Packing means is provided for sealing about the element 6l' to prevent the leakage of lubricant from about the cylinder element. A ring d@ is engaged forwardly against the shoulder if: and a laminated packing assembly 35 is arranged forwardly against the ring. to surround and seal with the element 6l'. A helical spring 52 is ar ranged under compression between a washer at the rear end of the packing assembly 8l and a shoulder S3 on the member The spring 82 holds the packing assembly 3l under the desired compression and urges the member 65 rearwardly so that its flange 69 bears against the retainer nut lb. In this connection it to be observedthat the member 6B is spring-held, that is, it is maintained in position by the spring 232 and may move forwardly against the action of the spring until its flange 655 contacts the shoulder I8. The spring-held or spring-urged packing assembly 3i dependably seals about the element 5l to prevent the leakage of lubricant forwardly around the element.

The construction, relationship and action of the guide member 68, the plunger and cylinder element 'l, and the ram element 66 are important features of the invention. The tubular guide member 63 is preferably accurately formed or machined. In practice the member 66 may be a die casting and, being a simple part, is readily formed or proportioned to have the correct relationship to the other parts. The member 68 is proportioned to fit the body opening l'l with a slight tolerance to givev a limited lateral play or movement. Similarly, flange 69 of the element 68 has clearance with the shoulder i8 to allow a slight longitudinal movement oi' the member, and the spring 82 is yieldable to allow this longitudinal movement. From the above it will be seen that the tubular guide member 63 is free to shift or float at will within limits within the body opening H. The rear end part of the ram element 66 is received in the opening l8 of the guide member 68, and is accurately proportioned to correctly fit the opening i8, with its rear end face bottoming in the opening i3. Thus the ele ment 66 is maintained in accurate co-axial relation with the guide member 68 at all times.

The cylinder element 67 is proportioned to be guided in the forward part of the opening il for longitudinal movement and for limited lateral play or movement. The packing 8l is such that it supports or guides the element 6l for similar limited lateral play. Thus the cylinder element 6l may also float within limits within the body opening I '1. It is to be noted that the floating cylinder element 6l' is cooperable with and guided by the floating tubular member t8. Due to this mutual floating relationship, any forces tending to cause misalignment between the ram element 66 and the cylinder 84 of element 6l' are resisted by the large external surface of the member 68 cooperating with the wall of the opening ll and the large external surface of the element Gl cooperating with the internal wall of the member 68. The thick walled tubular member 68 thus forms a dependable and accurate guide for the heavy cylinder member 6l to maintain the cylinder 84 in accurate co-axial relation with the slender piston element 66 at all times. This handling of any misaligning forces relieves the small slender high pressure piston element 66 of all bending stresses. The advantages just mentioned are obtained by an assembly that is very sturdy and rugged while being particularly inexpensive and easy to assemble.

In accordance with the invention a reduced opening 85 extends forwardly in the element 6T from the cylinder 84 and merges with a larger opening 66 extending to the forward end of the element where it communicates with the discharge tting 76. A rearwardly facing internal shoulder X occurs in the element 6l' where the reduced opening 85 joins the cylinder 84. It is to be observed that the element 6'! arranged as just described has its rear end 8i exposed to the action of the lubricant under pressure in the passage 'l5 and has its shoulder X exposed to this action when it is clear of the ram element 66. The fluid pressure or lubricant pressure acting on the shoulder X and the end 8i of the element 61 normally holds the element 6l in its forward or extended position and the pressure acting on the end 81 returns the element 6l from an in or contracted position to an out or extended position as will be more fully described.

Novel and particularly effective valve means is provided to control the discharge of lubricant from the plunger element 61 and the discharge element 16. -The valve means is such that the pressure on the lubricant contained in the gun operates to hold it closed so that no springs are required for this purpose, and so that the greater the pressure on the lubricant in the gun the greater the pressure serving to hold the valve means closed. The elimination of the usual valve closing spring eliminates the parasitic power loss accompanying the use of such a spring.

The Valve means includes an annular valve seat 88 on the interior of the plunger or cylinder element 6l. The valve seat 88 faces outwardly or forwardly and occurs where the reduced opening 85 joins the forward opening 86 of the element 61. The valve means further includes a valve' stem 89 carried by or connected with the member 68. In the particular form of the invention illustrated in the drawings the ram element 66 is tubular and the valve stem 89 extends longitudinally through the ram element and has its rear portion threaded in a longitudinal opening 90 in the securing member 74. A screw 9| is threaded in the rear end of the opening 90 to cooperate with the rear end of the valve stem 89 to secure or lock the valve stem in the set or adjusted position. The valve stem 89 extends forwardly through the cylinder 84 and the opening 85 and extends into the opening 86. The stem 89 has substantial clearance in the cylinder 84, the opening 85 and the opening 86. A head 92 is provided on the forward end of the stem 89 and is slotted to facilitate the threading of the stem in the opening 90. The rear side of the head 92 is bevelled or tapered to constitute a valve face 93. With the parts in the normal positions the head 92 is spaced forwardly from the valve seat 88 so that the surface 93 is some distance forwardly of the seat.

The valve means further includes a tubular valve 94 in the opening 86 associated with the valve stern 89 and cooperable with the seat 88. The valve 94 is slidable or movable in the opening 86 and is urged rearwardly by a helical spring 95 housed in the opening 86. The spring 95 is under compression between the forward end of the valve 94 and a part or a shoulder 96a on the coupling Tl. The spring 95 may be a relatively light spring. The rear end portion of the valve 94 is reduced in diameter and has a tapered valve face 96 cooperable with the seat 88 to close the opening 85. The valve face 96 has a steeper pitch than the valve seat 88 to have line contact with the seat. The valve 94 has lateral ports 91 immediately forward of its face 96 so that lubricant passing between the seat 88 and the face 96 when the valve 94 is opened is allowed to enter the valve 94 and pass forwardly out of the gun. A central longitudinal opening 98 is provided in the rear reduced portion of the valve 94 to slidably pass or receive the stem 89. A forwardly facing tapered face or seat 99 is provided on the interior of the valve 94 at the forward end of the opening 98 and is engageable by the face 93 of the head 92. The valve 94 is in the nature of a check valve and serves to close the forward end of the cylinder 84 during the charging stroke to prevent the return or rear flow of the lubricant as the ram element 66 moves rearwardly in the cylinder.

With the valve parts in the normal or extended positions as shown in Fig. 2, the valve face 96 cooperates with the seat 88 and the face 93 cooperates with the seat 99 so that the opening 85 in the cylinder element 61 is fully closed off against the forward discharge of lubricant. The parts are related so that the stop ring 19 is spaced rearward of the shoulder 20 when the valve means is closed as just described. Fluid pressure or lubricant pressure acting on the rear end 8l of the element 6l and acting on the internal shoulder X of the element 61 urges the element forwardly so that its valve seat 88 is urged forwardly against the Valve face 96 and this cooperation in turn forces the valve 94 forwardly so that its seat 99 is urged against the valve 93. The valve stem 89 is carried by the body I@ through the medium of the connecting member ifi and the member BS and therefore may be con-l sidered as remaining stationary relative to the body.

Fig. 2 of the drawings illustrates the positions of the various elements of the ejeoting means i3 during the discharge stroke. It may be assumed that the ram element GS moves forwardly into the cylinder 8d at the start of the discharge stroke and continues its forward movement during the remainder of this stroke. rEhe entrance of the ram element SS into the cylinder B traps a charge of lubricant in the cylinder. The valve stem 89 moves forwardly with the ram element G and its head Q2 moves forwardly away from the seat 39. The ram element tt moving forwardly into the cylinder St puts the lubricant thereink under pressure and when this pressure Vreaches a certain Value it overcomes the spring andvforces the valve 9d forwardly off its seat 88. The lubricant under pressure from the cylinder 3d 'then passes forwardly through the seat Y38, through the ports @l and the tubular valve 13 and then through the opening 85 and the discharge elementlii to the lubricant receiving fitting on the machine part or bearing.

During the charging stroke it may be lassumed that the ram element @t moves rearwardly in the cylinder lfili. Immediately following the discharge stroke or at the initiation of the charging stroke the spring 95 closes the valve et, bringing the face et into cooperation with the seat t8. As the ram element (it moves rearwardly in the cylinder 8d a reduced pressure or vacuum is created in the cylinder and the external pressure or atmospheric pressure acting on the valve 94 urges its face 95 into tight cooperation with the seat SB. The valve stem te moves rearwardlyfwith the ram element t6 and slides through the opening 9d in the valve Si. Fig. 1 of the drawings illus- `trates the positions of the various parts of the ejecting means I3 during theA charging stroke. When the ram element 66 leaves the rear end of the cylinder Sil a 'charge of lubricant under pressure is forced into the cylinder. The face 93 of the head 92 cooperates with the valve seat 98 immediately following or substantiallysimultaneously with the passage of the forward end of the ram element 56 from the rear end of the cylinder 8d. The parts are then in the positions illustrated in Fig. 2'.

It is believed that the operation of the grease gun ljust described will be readily understood. In operation it may be assumed that a sup-ply of lubricant has been provided in the chamber lll and that air vunder pressure has been supplied to the air chamber 3D and the rear portion of the chamber i4. It may also be assumed that the cylinder 34, the passage l5, the opening 85 and the interior of the tubular ram element 66 are occupied by the lubricant under pressure. The discharge element 16 is equipped with an appropriate coupler (not shown) vadapted to be arranged against or connected with a lubricant receiving fitting on a bearing or the ylike whereby the operator grasping the handle 22 may apply a forward thrust on'the handle to mover the body le forwardly. The discharge element Si connected or associated with the lubricant receiving fitting on the bearing remains stationary so that the body lil moves forwardly relative to the fiting '1S and the element 6l. The ram element $6 moves forwardly with the body l and passesv into the cylinder 84.Y

When the ram element B6 enters the cylinder p 84 lubricant in the cylinder is out off from the main body of lubricant in the body it and is trapped between the forward end of the ram element GS and the valve face 96. The stem 89 is connected with the ram element 56 and moves forwardly with the ram element so that its head 92 moves forwardly away from the valve seat 99 and the seat 88. The ram element 65 moving forwardly in the cylinder 84 puts the lubricant therein under increased pressure and this lubricant under pressure acting on the valve face 9B moves the valve t. forwardly against the actionv of the spring 95. In this connection it is to be observed that the spring Q may be a relatively light spring to offer a minimum of resistance to the discharge of lubricant under pressure from the cylinder The ram element 66 displacing the lubricant from the cylinder 84 in effect ejects a charge of lubricant under pressure through the opening '56 and the fitting '5S to the lubricant receiving fitting on the machine bearing.

When 'the body l@ has reached the end of its forward stroke the operator may either disconnect the fitting iii from thelubricant receiving tting, or he may hold the gun in such a manner that the fitting 'it remains connected with or associated with the lubricant receiving fitting as he moves the body Iii rearwardly preparatory to another ejection stroke. It is an important feature of the invention that the pressure on the lubricant in the body iii operates to automatically return the cylinder element 52 and the body id to their original relative positions and thus automatically charge the cylinder 84 with lubricant for a succeeding ejection stroke. In the event that the discharge element 'i6 is disasseciated from the lubricant receiving fitting on the machine part, the lubricant pressure acting on the rear end 8l of the element Sl moves or forces the element di forwardly with respect to the body i8. On the other hand, if the tting 'iii is retained in connection with the lubricant receiving fitting on the machine part, the iiuid under pressure in the body l0 reacts between the said end 8l and the forwardly facing surfaces within the body iii and tends to move the body it rearwardly relative to the element 6l.

The automatic forward movement of the element 6? with respect to the body l il, or the automatic rearward movement of the body l0 with respect to the element tl, is accompanied by what may be considered rearward movement of the ram element @i5 in the cylinder Bt and rearward movement cf the stem t8 with respect to the cylinder element Sl'. It will be seen that the relative'movement between the ram element 66 and the element 6l creates a reduced pressure in the forward portion of the cylinder 84. This reduced pressure tends to hold the Valve face 95 in tighter engagement with the seat 8S. The spring 95 assures the closing of the valve @d at the start of the charging stroke and the valve Qt cooperating with the seat 88 prevents the lubricant in the opening 85 from being drawn back into the cylinder 34. The stem 8S moving rearwardly through the opening @8 in the valve 94 during the rearward movement of the ram S6 causes lubricant in the outer portion of the discharge element 'it to be drawn rearwardly in the tting. This prevents the loss or discharge of lubricant from the element i5 following the disconnection of the gun from the lubricant receiving fitting.

When the forward end ofl the ram element 86 passes rearwardly out of the cylinder 84 the lubricant under pressure in the passage 15 passes into the cylinder 84. Immediately following the passage of the ram element 88 out of the cylinder 84 the valve face 88 on the head 82 moves into engagement with the seat 89 on the valve 84. This closes the opening 98 against forward leakage or passage of lubricant under pressure, while the face 96 cooperating with the seat 88 prevents the forward discharge of lubricant under pressure through the opening 85.

It is to be observed that when the ram 88 leaves the rear end of the cylinder 84 that lubricant under pressure acts forwardly on the shoulder X as well as the end 81 of the element 81 to urge the cylinder element forwardly. This tendency on the part of the lubricant pressure acting on the cylinder element 81 forces the seat 88 tightly against the valve face 88 to assure a tight seal at this point and forces the valve 94 forwardly so that its seat 89 is tightly held against the valve face 93 to assure a tight seal at this point. Thus it will be seen that the pressure within the gun serves to automatically hold the valve means closed to positively prevent the leakage of lubricant from the cylinder 84 and therefore from the fitting 18 of the gun. The valve means at the forward end of the cylinder S4 is quickly and tightly closed substantially simultaneously with the movement of the ram element 88 out of the rear end of the cylinder 84.

The threaded valve stem 89 may be adjusted to assure the full tight closing of the valve means and may be readily locked in the adjusted position by the screw 9|. In actual operation the automatic charging stroke is very rapid and the cylinder and ram mechanism is such that a substantially full charge of lubricant is introduced to the cylinder 88 during each of these rapid chargingr strokes. The rapid full charging of the cylinder 86 assures the ejection of a complete charge of lubricant from the gun at each discharge stroke.

The device or gun may be operated until the follower I2 is stopped by the stop bead 9 on the guide 48. When the follower I2 reaches this position it becomes necessary to recharge the chamber I4 with lubricant. The section may be readily unthreaded from the body I8 and removed from the body together with the guide 48 and the follower I2 to leave the chamber HI open for recharging. The bead 8 cooperates with the forward portion 58 of the follower I2 so that the follower is moved or withdrawn rearwardly with the guide. The part |88 is uncovered when the bead 9 is in cooperation with the follower I2. This equalizes the pressures at the opposite sides of the follower so that the follower I2 may be easily pulled rearwardly out of the chamber I8.

When a replacement supply of lubricant has been provided in the chamber I4, the section I I is moved to a position where the guide 48 extends into the chamber |11 and the follower I2 is advanced or moved to enter its small advancing lip 58 into the rear end of the chamber I4. As the lip 58 is smaller in diameter than the chamber I4 the follower I2 may be easily introduced into the chamber. When the trailing lip 58 contacts the wall of the chamber I8 the element 58 is distorted so that both of its sealing lips 58 effectively seal with the wall of the chamber. The section Ii may be easily threaded to the body I8. During the threading of the section II on the body I8 the gasket lip 48 moves into the chamber I4 and the ange 39 moves against the rear end of the body I8. Continued threading of the section I on the body I8 following the engagement of the gasket flange 39 with the end of the body results in distortion of the gasket 38 and the engagement of the lip 48 with the wall of the chamber I4. Thus the gasket 38 is automatically conditioned to dependably seal between the body I8 and the section II. The section may be rotated or threaded until the forward end of the ange 23 engages the ridge 28 to stop or limit the threading. 'Ihe parts are related so that the handle 22 is stopped by this engagement to be in alignment with the laterally projecting discharge element 16.

Fig. 6 of the drawings illustrates a form of ejecting means I3a that may, at the option of the manufacturer or operator, be employed instead of the ejecting means I3 or used interchangeably with the ejecting means I3 described above. The means I3a1 is such that it may be employed in the body |8 and utilized in connection with the element 61 and its packing means 88-8i-82 as described above.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 6 the element 81 constitutes the ram element and a cylinder element |8| is provided in the body I8 to move therewith and cooperate with the element 61. The cylinder element |8| has a forwardly facing external shoulder |82 and the spring 82 is held under compression between the shoulder |82 and the washer 82a. The opening or cylinder |83 of the element I 8| is co-axial with the forward portion I5 of the body I8 and is adapted to slidably receive the element 81. When the parts are in the normal or idle positions the rear end portion of the element 81 is received in the cylinder |83.

A combination valve cage and retainer nut |84 is threaded in the body opening |1 and cooperates with the flange 89a to hold the cylinder element |8| in place. The retainer nut |84 is provided with circumferentially spaced inwardly projecting webs |85 which carry a valve stem guide |86. The retainer nut |84 is a tubular member having an opening |28 which places the rear end of the cylinder |83 in communication with the chamber I4.

The valve means of the ejecting mechanism shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings includes a longitudinally shiftable Valve stem |81. The stem |81 extends centrally and longitudinally through the elements 81 and I8I. The rear portion of the stem |81 is threaded in a tubular valve stem member |88 and the member |88 is slidably guided in an opening |88 in the guide |88. A screw ||8 is threaded in the rear end of the tubular member |08 and is cooperable with the rear end of the stem |81 to set or lock the stem in the adjusted position. The valve means further includes an inlet Valve movable with the stem member |88 and cooperable with a forwardly facing valve seat ||2 on the interior of the retainer |84. The active faces of the valve I I and the seat I|2 may be normal to the longitudinal axis of the gun. The active face of the valve I! I may be provided with a washer or facing of suitable sealing material. In the preferred construction illustrated, the valve I is threaded on the stem member I 88. A helical spring ||3 is arranged under compression between a head on the stem member |88 and the rear end of the retainer nut |84 to urge the stem member |88 rearwardly and close the valve II during certain phases of the operation. The

spring ||3 is preferably light and may be conical 75 K spaced forwardly from -its seat H2.

or frusta-conical to extend over or around the fingers |85.

The ejecting means I3a shown in Fig. 6 has an outlet valve for controlling the discharge of lubricant from the element 61. This outlet valve includes a head H4 on the forward end of the stem |01. The head I I4 has a tapered active face H5 cooperable with the above described seat 68. The valve face H5 has a steeper pitch than the seat 88 to have line contact therewith. When the parts are in the idle or normal positions the valve face I I5 cooperates with the seat 88 to close the opening 85 and the inlet valve HI is open or The spring H3, of course, tends to hold the valve head H4 in cooperation with its seat 88. However, the lubricant under pressure acting on the end 81 andthe shoulder X of the element 61 urges the element 81 forwardly to effectively hold the seat 88 in tight engagement with the valve face H5. The uid pressure or lubricant pressure acting on the member 61 thus serves to prevent the loss or leakage of lubricant from the opening 85.

The forward pressure exerted on the element 61 by the lubricant is transmitted to the valve stem lill by the cooperating seat 88 and face H5 and this forward pressure von the stem I01 is in turn applied to the spring H3. The rearmost convolution of the spring H3 is between the head of the member |88 and the rear side of the guide IUS and when high pressure is applied to the lubricant in the chamber I4 the said convolution is gripped between the head of the guide member IUS and the rear side of the guide IBS. Thus the rear convolution of the spring I i3 may form a positive stop for limiting the forward movement of the stem |01 and the valve head H4 so that the forward travel of the element 81 is definitely limited by the engagement of its seat S3 with the valve face H5.

In the operation of the ejecting mechanism shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings the gun may be manipulated in the same manner as described above. Upon relative longitudinal movement between the body IIl and the element 61 that results in forward movement of the cylinder elev ment Il on the element 61, the stern may lag or may be momentarily held against such movement by the action or expansion of the spring H3 and the valve face H5 may remain in engagement withthe seat B8. The face H5 may remain in engagement with the seat 88 to close the forward end of the opening 85 until the seat H2 moves forwardly against the active face of the valve III.. When the valve III is closed in this manner the stem I01 moves forwardly together with the body III and element IOI and therefore moves away from its seat 88. The lubricant in the cylinder |03 is displaced forwardly under pressure by the rearwardly moving element 51 and passes through the openings Sri, 85 and 88 to the discharge element 16. It is to be observed that there is no spring in the .path of this forwardly moving charge of lubri- -61 to move the element forwardly. When the leakage of lubricant from the gun.

element 61 moves forwardly its seat 88 comes into contact with the valve face H5 so that the .forward end of the opening 85 is closed. A charge of lubricant moves into the cylinder I03 as the element 61 moves forwardly. It Will be seen that the lubricant pressure acting on the f end 81 and the shoulder X of the element 61 automatically recharges the cylinder |03 and closes theV outlet means to prevent the loss or Having described only typical preferred forms lo' and applications of our invention We do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific forms and applications herein set forth, but wishr to reserve to ourselves any variations or modifica-15 tions that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described our invention, We claim;

l. A grease gun comprising a body for con-@5.20 taining lubricant under pressure, and an ejecting means for ejecting charges of the lubricant including two elements, one stationary with respect to the body, the other reciprocable relative to the body, one element having a cylinder fori-.25 receiving lubricant from the body, the other element being' operable in the cylinder to displace the lubricant therefrom, the reciprocable element having a passage for discharging the lubricant thus displaced from the cylinder, an ine30 ternal valve seat on the reciprocable element,

a valve carried lby the body and cooperable with the seat, and at least one surface on the reciprocable element acted on by the lubricant under pressure in the body whereby said pressure re- 5.35 turns the seat to its closed position against the valve and normally holds the seat against the valve to close said passage against the discharge of lubricant.

2. A grease gun comprising a body for con-40 taining lubricant under pressure, and an eject- `ing means for ejecting charges of the lubricant including a'ram stationary relative to the body, an element reciprocable relative to the body and having a cylinder for receiving the lubricant from`45 the Abody during the charging stroke and adapted ltoreceive the ram, there being a passage in the element for discharging the lubricant displaced from the cylinder by the ram, an internal valve seat in the element, a valve part normally sta- 550 tionary with respectto the body and cooperable with the seat, and at least one surface on the element acted on by the lubricant pressure in the body whereby said pressure urges the seat against the valve part to normally close said' passage. y

3. A grease gun comprising a body for containing lubricant under pressure, and an ejecting means for ejecting charges of the lubricant including a cylinder on the body having valved' communication therewith, a ram reciprocable relative to the body and operable in the cylinder, the ram having a discharge passage for discharging the lubricant from the cylinder during the discharge stroke, an internal valve seat on the ram, a valve carried by the body and cooperable with the seat, and at least one surface on the ram acted on by the lubricant under pressure so that said pressure normally holds the including a cylinder on the body having valved communication therewith, a ram reciprocable relative to the body and operable in the cylinder, the ram having a discharge passage for discharging the lubricant from the cylinder during the discharge stroke, an internal valve seat on the ram, a valve stem anchored to the body and extending through the cylinder and passage, a valve on the stem cooperable with the seat, and an inwardly facing surface on the ram acted on by the lubricant pressure whereby the said pressure operates to hold the seat and valve in cooperation.

5. An ejecting means for a grease gun having a body carrying lubricant under pressure, 'the ejecting means comprising a ram stationary with the body, a plunger element reciprocable relative to the body and having a cylinder for receiving a charge of lubricant from the body during the charging stroke and receiving the ram during the discharge stroke, the plunger element having a passage for .discharging the lubricant from the cylinder during the discharge stroke, and discharge valve means controlling said passage including a valve part in the plunger element, and a valve part anchored to the body to be stationary therewith and cooperable with the rst mentioned valve part.

6. A grease gun comprising a body having a chamber for holding lubricant under pressure and having an opening in communication with the chamber, and ejecting means for ejecting charges of the lubricant comprising a tubular part floating in said opening for limited movement, a ram carried by the tubular part in coaxial relation thereto, a reciprocable plunger element guided in the tubular part and having a cylinder for receiving the ram and a passage for discharging the lubricant from the cylinder, and valve means for controllingr said passage.

7. A grease gun comprising a body for containing lubricant under pressure, and an ejecting means for ejecting charges of the lubricant including two elements, one stationary with respect to the body, the other reciprocable relative to the body, one element having a cylinder for receiving lubricant from the body, the other element having a ram operable in the cylinder to displace the lubricant therefrom, the reciprocable element having a passage for discharging the lubricant thus displaced, an internal valve seat on the reciprocable element, a spring urged check valve cooperable with the seat during the charging stroke of the reciprocable element to prevent a return flow in said passage, and a valve stationary with respect to the body and engageable by the check valve to form a seal, and at least one surface on the reciprocable element acted on by the pressure on the lubricant so that said pressure normally urges the said seat against the check valve and holds the check valve in sealing cooperation with the last mentioned Valve.

vto the body, one element having a cylinder for .receiving lubricant from the body, the other element being operable in the cylinder to displace the lubricant therefrom, the reciprocable ele- .ment having a passage for discharging the lubri- .cant thus displaced, an internal valve seat on the reciprocable element, a ported tubular check 9. A grease gun comprising a body for containing lubricant under pressure, and an ejecting means for ejecting charges of the lubricant including two elements, one stationary with respect to the body, the other reciprocable relative to the body, one element having a cylinder whose inner end is adapted to receive lubricant from the body, the other element being operable inwardly in the cylinder to displace the lubricant therefrom, the reciprocable element having al passage leading from the outer end of the cylinder for discharging the lubricant thus displaced, and a valve assembly at the outer end vof the assembly for controlling flow through said passage in both directions.

10. A grease gun comprising a body for containing lubricant under pressure, and an ejecting means for ejecting charges of the lubricant including two elements, one stationary with respect to the body, the other reciprocable relative to the body, one element having a cylinder for receiving lubricant from the body, the other element being operable in the cylinder to displace the lubricant therefrom, the reciprocable element having a passage for discharging the lubricant thus displaced, and a single valve assembly in the reciprocable element normally preventing the discharge of the lubricant under pressure through the passage and preventing the return flow of the discharged lubricant during the charging stroke.

11. A grease gun comprising a body for containing lubricant under pressure, and an ejecting means for ejecting charges of the lubricant including two elements, one stationary with respect to the body, the other reciprocable relative to the body, one element having a cylinder for receiving lubricant from the body, the other element being operable in the cylinder to displace the lubricant therefrom, the reciprocable element having a passage for discharging the lubricant thus dis-z return flow of the discharged lubricant to the cylinder during the charging stroke said valve assembly comprising a valve part secured to the body, a valve part on the reciprocable element, anda valve element shiftable relative to the reciprocable element and cooperable with both ofl the said valve parts.

12. In a grease gun, a body having a lubricant supply chamber, ejecting means on the body, and means for feeding the lubricant to the ejecting means comprising a follower insertable in the chamber 'to follow the lubricant including a follower body, and a resilient sealing element on the follower body, the element having two axially projecting sealing lips, one leading relative to the direction of movement of the follower, the other trailing relative to said direction, the second mentioned lip initially having a diameter greater than that vof the chamber whereby it cooperates with the wall of the chamberto distort the element and hold the rst mentioned lip in sealing cooperation with the wall of the chamber.

13. In a grease gun, a body having a lubricant supply chamber, ejecting means on the body, and means for feeding the lubricant tothe ejecting means comprising a guide insertable in the chamber, a follower arranged on the guide to move in the chamber behind the lubricant, the follower comprising an annulus, a sealing element on the periphery of the annulus for sealing With the wall of the chamber, and a resilient ilexible sealing member on the interior of the annulus for sealing with the guide, said member having oppositely projecting axial sealing lips, one lip having an internal diameter less than the diameter of the guide to cooperate with the guide and cause distortion of the first named lip into sealing cooperation with the guide.

14. A grease gun comprising a body for containing lubricant under pressure, and an ejecting means for ejecting charges of the lubricant including two elements, one stationary with respect to the body, the other reciprocable relative to the body, one element having a cylinder for receiving lubricant from the body, the other element being operable in the cylinder to displace the lubricant therefrom, the reciprocable element having a passage for discharging the lubricant thus displaced, an internal valve seat on the reciprocable element, a valve carried by the body` and cooperable with the seat, said valve comprising a stem and a head thereon received in the said passage during the ejection stroke and retracted during the charging stroke to create a reduced pressure in the discharge passage and 'draw the lubricant back from its outer end, and

at least one surface on the reciprocable element acted on by the lubricant under pressure in the body whereby said pressure normally holds the seat against the valve to close said passage against the discharge of lubricant.

l5. A grease gun comprising a body for containing lubricant under pressure, and an ejecting means for ejecting charges of the lubricant including two elements, one stationary with respect to the body, the other reciprocable relative to the body, one element having a cylinder for receiving lubricant from the body, the other element being operable in the cylinder to displace the lubricant therefrom, the reciprocable element having a passage leading outwardly from the cylinder for discharging the lubricant displaced from the cylinder, an outwardly facing valve seat on the wall of the passage, a valve anchored to the body and facing inwardly toward the cylinder for engagement by the seat, and an inwardly facing surface on the reciprocable element acted on by the lubricant under pressure in the body to effect the quick return of the seat into engagement with the valve at the completion of the discharge stroke and to normally hold the seat against the valve to close the passage.

NEIL V. SMITH. CARL W. STOLL. 

